Realty Life
Stories and Strategies
Veteran realtor and industry leader Ken McLachlan talks with real people about their passions, their accomplishments and the moments that changed their lives. Realty Life is an inspirational and powerful look at how life turns and the journeys that follow.
Real Estate, Running, and Resilience: Jenelle Cameron’s Success Formula
Send us a textWhat do real estate, coaching, and marathon running have in common? A lot more than you might think!Ken McLachlan sits down with Toronto-based realtor, real estate coach, and marathon runner Jenelle Cameron.Jenelle shares her unconventional journey from public relations to real estate, revealing the discipline and structure that helped her succeed in the business.She dives into the challenges of balancing real estate and coaching, the importance of systems and consistency, and how
Feb 18, • 34:11
The Calm Realtor: How Michael Mealia Leads Without the Noise
Send us a textIs the secret to real estate success relentless hustle, or is it a calm, steady hand?Ken McLachlan sits down with his longtime friend and experienced real estate professional, Michael Mealia, with over 45 years in the business.Michael shares how he has navigated market highs and lows with a unique combination of leadership, patience, and creative problem-solving. From handling a real estate office in crisis to structuring unconventional deals that benefit both buyers and sellers, M
Feb 4, • 39:47
Pivot and Prosper: Thriving in Real Estate Through Change
Send us a textWhy do some people thrive while others get stuck? In this episode, Ken chats with Randy Collins, a real estate agent and entrepreneur, about the pivotal role of mindset in achieving success. Randy shares his journey from construction to multi-level marketing, and eventually to real estate, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, continuous learning, and adapting to change. His insights on personal growth, dealing with challenges, and maintaining a positive outlook are both
Sep 6, 2024 • 42:06
Turning Properties into Pension Plans with Brad Closs
Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how to turn real estate into your personal pension plan? In this episode, Ken sits down with Brad Closs, an Ottawa-based real estate investment expert who owns an impressive 56 doors.Brad shares his journey from his first property at age 24 to building a robust portfolio through strategic leveraging and meticulous planning. From mastering property evaluation to navigating tenant laws, Brad's insights are a goldmine for both novice and seasoned investors. Disc
Aug 13, 2024 • 26:07
Navigating Major Career Shifts
Send us a Text Message.Shawn Hewson was a Bay Street Lawyer but chose a career shift. A big shift.He became a fashion designer and cofounded Bustle, a unique and creative fashion company. In this episode Shawn shares his remarkable journey, the challenges he faced, and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. It was all about leveraging his existing skills, adapting to industry challenges, and maintaining strong client relationships. Whether you're in real estate or another field, Shawn'
Jul 31, 2024 • 27:23
The Power of Persistence: Georges Bardagi's Real Estate Story
Send us a Text Message.Meet the man behind one of Quebec's most successful real estate teams!In this episode, Ken interviews Georges Bardagi, a top real estate agent in Quebec. Georges shares his journey from starting in a tough market in 1991 to leading a highly successful team today.Georges emphasizes the importance of discipline, financial prudence, and continuous learning, while also highlighting his unique approach to balancing work and life.Georges' insights on market adaptability, team bu
Jul 16, 2024 • 34:17
Sky's the Limit: Jim Burton's Real Estate Mastery
Meet the man who turned a love for flying into a soaring real estate career.In this episode, Ken sits down with Jim Burton, a larger-than-life figure in the real estate industry. Jim shares his inspiring journey from a young pilot to a leading real estate icon in Newfoundland and Labrador. They discuss his relentless commitment to excellence, the influence of his father, and his passion for giving back to the community through various charitable endeavours. Jim also explores his strategic growth
Jun 18, 2024 • 42:58
Focus, Discipline, Success: Debra Bain’s Real Estate Story
From Photography to Realty Royalty.Join Ken McLachlan as he interviews Debra Bain, his wife and president of RE/MAX Hallmark, in a heartfelt episode of Realty Life. Debra shares her inspiring journey from a 21-year-old photographer to a leading figure in the real estate industry, recounting personal challenges, career milestones, and her impactful role as a mentor to many, especially women. Together, they explore the importance of focus, discipline, and the power of mentorship in achieving succe
Jun 4, 2024 • 29:25
From Refugee to Real Estate – Kim Tran’s Story
Kim Tran calls her success an accident… but it was no accident. Escaping Vietnam as a four-year-old refugee she and her mother embarked on a frightening journey that eventually led them to Canada. These humble beginnings served as a firm foundation, grounding her as she pursued higher education in economics in university. Despite initially embarking on a more traditional career path, a persistent voice urged her to seek a different trajectory – one where could someday become her own CEO. That'
Sep 5, 2023 • 34:28
A Journey of Triumph and Sadness – Peter Mueller
Peter Mueller built a successful business, doing what he loves and traveling the world doing it. His company, The Profit Centre, provides training and coaching designed to help Brokers, Team Leaders, and Realtors make profit predictable. But along the way came the greatest pain he’s ever known… the loss of his daughter. When she became palliative, one day Peter just went for a walk. No direction, no purpose. He just started walking. It was in these moments he found something transformative. In
Aug 22, 2023 • 22:31
“The Greatest Impact on the Value of Real Estate Will be Solving Homelessness” – Marcus Plowright
It was a career that began as an entrepreneur for Marcus Plowright. By the time his partner recruited him to real estate, he’d already been involved in seven start up businesses, including a renovation company, so the migration to real estate wasn’t too much of a reach. One of the first things he and his partner initiated was sharing commissions from all team transactions with all team members, rather than the old real estate axiom of “you eat what you kill”. This led to a stronger sense of “t
Jul 25, 2023 • 32:14
Setting Goals Changed My Life – Richard Robbins
Richard Robbins International (RRI) provides leading-edge sales and business training solutions to real estate agents and leaders at all levels. It delivers programs to countless customers worldwide. But it all started in Peterborough, Ontario. And where it truly began to formulate as an idea and then a business was when a seminar he attended showed Rich that when you give to the world the day will come when you get more than you give. That sparked goal setting which Rich calls Future Focus. He
Jul 11, 2023 • 36:46
Stone Sisters – Real Estate for Real People – Tamara Stone
On the one hand, growing up in Kelowna was a little slice of heaven. On the other hand, was financial reality – there were some tough times. When a family member left her parents with a financial hole to dig out of, Tamara remembers that’s when her dad chose real estate. If the phone rang during family time at the dinner table, that could be a client. It had to be answered. Everyone understood that. Part way through University Tamara decided she wanted to give real estate a go. Her sister event
Jun 27, 2023 • 32:38
“Hard Work Was the King Family Inheritance” Daryl King
Daryl King grew up in a fairly humble home in North York. Started his working career working in real estate but his dad had instilled in him the need to work hard. What he really wanted as a youngster was to be able to buy his own clothes. So, he ran a big paper route, he caddied, he shoveled driveways, mowed lawns. Later he sold cookware to make a buck. Whatever it took to be independent and look good. Eventually he got into real estate. In his first year… he sold 27 homes when interest rates w
Jun 13, 2023 • 35:29
Supercharge Your Life – With Suzan Peltekian
Suzan knew early in hear life she had a calling; she just didn’t know what that was. She loved Oprah and Tony Robbins, but she was just Suzan. JUST Suzan. That was the epiphany. By changing her mindset, she could become her full self and in so doing, help others come to the same realization about themselves. Be all they could be. Live lives by design, not default. Today Suzan works with peak performers in real estate and other industries to change their mindset and kick start a journey to self
May 30, 2023 • 32:09
A Life By Design – Peter Brooks
Life never moves in a straight line. There are always twists in the road, potholes, roadblocks…Peter Brooks knew he had an entrepreneurial spirit so at a young age he bought a fast-food chicken franchise… but they never taught him how to properly cook so that didn’t fly. Then he changed careers to TV camera operator, but that wasn’t his real focus either. So, he got his real estate license and was successful but it still wasn’t his ultimate calling. He knew what that was – Design. Today Peter le
May 16, 2023 • 32:10
“I Had a Tomato and a Can of Tuna. That’s All I Had” - Desmond Brown
By his own admission there was a point in time for Desmond Brown when he had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. He was 26 years old, driving Cab, a path he got into because he didn’t have the high school marks good enough for Community College.On a whim Des went to see Kent Sheppard at the real estate office across the street. Neither had met before. Over a short period of time Kent showed Des that he believed him. “And that made me believe in myself,” Des admits. Soon Des earned $50,00
May 2, 2023 • 38:57
“Greece Lightning”: How a “power couple’s” outcome impacts their income
They met, fell in love, and developed a successful and happy life in their homeland of Greece. Then Andreas Batakis and Nectaria Kladitis decided to pick up, pack up and move across the Atlantic to Canada. In this inspirational episode of REALTY Life, host Ken McLachlan talks to this “power couple” about their journey of happiness, their personal challenges and how they are now using their experiences to help enhance the lives of others to discover what really matters in life. Andreas Batakis an
Dec 15, 2022 • 38:20
Everyone has a story to tell… one word at a time
Writing a book isn’t for everyone. But those who take on the challenge often say it's one of the most rewarding experiences of their life. With each word, sentence, and chapter, the author opens their soul to the world.In this episode of REALTY Life, host Ken McLachlan talks to Daphne Gordon. She is a professional writing coach and is working with Ken on his debut journey into authorship. Together they talk about the adventure behind the process. Daphne also explains why the digital age has give
Dec 1, 2022 • 34:50
What economists "miss" when forecasting the housing market
He knew it as a boy. Barry knew a career in sales was where he was headed. As a child, Barry Lebow remembered watching his father, a so-called "tin man", sell aluminum by the sheet. Barry knew then, he was born to sell.In this episode of REALTY Life, host Ken McLachlan talks to Barry Lebow, who has since become one of Canada's most successful realtors. Together they discuss the ups and downs of earning a living selling real estate. Barry also shares what he believes is the single biggest mistake
Nov 10, 2022 • 41:07
Losing fear, living life: How a child's journey shaped a man
Starting new!Kash Alavi knows all about starting new. He was forced to start fresh time and again.Born in Iran, his family fled the Islamic state as a small boy. Leaving his father behind, young Kash, his 3 siblings and mother went to Europe. Years later the family was reunited, and eventually would make their way to Canada. That long journey was the beginning of a life-long desire to dream. In this episode of REALTY Life, Ken talks to Kash about the real secret to success and happiness. And ho
Oct 20, 2022 • 29:53
The Cobbler's Son and His Ticket to Freedom
It's a strategy many successful business people have employed at some point during their career. When times are tough, double down and invest in yourself. When Dave Batori watched his Dad sell shoes to put food on the table, he remembers the advice he was given. In this episode of Realty Life, host Ken McLachlan talks to Dave about his career, his setbacks and how persistence and perseverance lead to the real keys to success, freedom and happiness.Guest: Dave BatoriRe/Max Hallmark Batori GroupCa
Mar 14, 2022 • 39:40
“Is This Thing On?"
They say communication skills might be the most important asset to becoming an entrepreneur. Ken’s guest in this episode of Realty Life is hoping that’s exactly right because he’s worked in Communications all his life.From Radio to Television to Corporate Offices to the exhilaration and loneliness of an entrepreneur’s chair.Ken talks with Doug Downs who has moved across Canada for his career and has landed on podcasting.Guest Doug DownsEmail doug@storiesandstrategies.caKen can be reached at:ken@
Feb 21, 2022 • 32:19
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger
Paula Carney’s life changed one Friday morning at 8:30. She was driving north to Barrie on highway 400, had just passed Innisfil Beach Road and in an instant it happened. Her vehicle smashed into the back of a stopped gravel truck which itself had just collided with a vehicle in front. It was a 33-vehicle pile-up and with more victims than rescuers could attend to. When that happens, the ones most-likely to not make it, are “left until the end,” as one rescuer later told her. Paula was left unt
Feb 7, 2022 • 22:08
In the Nick of Time
Persistence.In Nick Maiorano’s case, it paid off. The ability of sticking with a goal, a vision, a dream helps Nick navigate life.From NBC in New York to CFRB in Toronto, Nick’s path is anything but cut and dry.In this episode of RealtyLife, Host Ken McLachlan talks to Nick about his colourful career, family, friends and being in the right place at the right time, just in the “nick of time.”Nick can be heard and reached at:www.nickandroy.comNick is also the Co-host of Totally Useless Information
Dec 27, 2021 • 33:28
Faith, Family, Marriage, & Real Estate
Moving is difficult. Moving to a new city is that much harder. So when Jose and Claudia Pardo decided to change countries, both picked Canada.One from Columbia, the other from the Dominican Republic, the one-time University students became long distance sweethearts.In this episode of RealtyLife, host Ken McLachlan talks to the couple about the importance of faith and family. Jose and Claudia Pardo can be reached at:jose@castillopardo.comclaudia@castillopardo.comhttps://castillopardo.com/ Ken ca
Dec 13, 2021 • 31:55
How to Lead the Family Business, Guest Chris Alexander
Getting into the family business comes with its own challenges.But when you’re asked to lead the business, which happens to be one of the largest real estate companies, that challenge is taken to the next level.In this episode of REALTY Life, host Ken McLachlan talks to Christopher Alexander, the President of RE/MAX Canada about stepping up and saying YES!Connect with Christopher on Twitter @ChrisReMaxKen can be reached at:ken@remaxhallmark.com
Nov 29, 2021 • 27:44
New Beginning
At one point, when do you stop looking at others to solve your problems? When you stop blaming others? When do you start recognizing YOU and YOUR warts?Jeff Montaigue decided when .and that was when he took that first step towards a new life. In this episode of RealtyLife, host Ken McLachlan talks to Jeff about life, learning and being medically dead… twice. Jeff can be reached through his website:http://www.livingdurham.com/Ken can be reached by email:ken@remaxhallmark.com
Nov 15, 2021 • 33:47
Life Long Learning.
It’s said when you stop learning, you stop growing.New challenges, goals and situations stimulate the brain.In this episode of Realty Life. Host Ken McLachlan speaks with Patrick Gillis, who not only relies on Life Long Learning to fuel his thinking, but also, his faith.Patrick can be reached at: patrickgillis@remaxhallmark.comKen can be reached at: ken@remaxhallmark.com
Nov 1, 2021 • 32:44
The Work is an Inside Job
This is a great listen about taking personal ownership of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions to life.In this episode of RealtyLife, host Ken McLachlan talks to Barbara Brindle about letting go, being present, and living life on life’s terms. After all, “the work is an inside job.”Barbara Brindle can be reached at:www.BarbaraBrindle.combarbara@remaxhallmark.com Ken can be reached at:ken@remaxhallmark.com
Oct 4, 2021 • 30:26
The Healing Journey
Growing up was not easy for Glenn Floyd. In fact, even he admits, it was so unhealthy in many, many ways. But instead of letting his childhood miseries negatively impact him, he found spiritual and emotional growth. In this episode of REALTY LIFE, Ken talks to Glenn about the healing journey he took, about giving back and how life changes when you change. Glenn can be reached at: Glenn@floydteam.ca, info@floydteam.ca Ken c
Aug 16, 2021 • 29:42
Music Makes the Man
He recorded, he produced and he likely shared more than a few late nights with Canadian music legend Stompin’ Tom Connors.That’s just one chapter in the songbook of life that is Duncan Fremlin.In this episode of REALTY LIFE, Ken talks to Duncan about how his upbringing armed him with the pillars of life that have stood the test of time.Duncan Fremlin can be reached at:duncan@duncanfremlin.comdfremlin@gmail.comwww.duncanfremlin.com Ken can be reached at:ken@remaxhallmark.com
Aug 2, 2021 • 32:07
She is an "Ironman"
Mary-Anne Gillespie is a powerhouse. Her real estate coaching company enlightens and empowers. She helps people grow their skills, their confidence and their wealth.But it wasn’t always power presentations and podiums.Mary-Anne was homeless.She was also losing herself in a food addiction.In this fantastic episode of REALTY LIFE, host Ken McLachlan talks about tragedy and triumph. And how we all learn every step of the way.Mary-Anne can be reached at:Red Apple Coaching & Consulting redapplecoachi
Jul 19, 2021 • 32:33
Perspective Counts
Happy or sad? Up or down? Good or bad? It really all depends of your perspective. That’s how Mary Jo Vradis sees it. She has faced life challenges head-on and won.But on the days when it felt like enough was really enough, what made her persevere?In this episode of REALTY LIFE, Ken and Mary Jo talk about looking through life’s healthy lens, rolling with the punches and giving back.Mary Jo Vradis can be reached at:mj@metarealty.cahttps://www.metarealty.ca/ Ken can be reached at:ken@remaxhallmar
Jul 5, 2021 • 32:05
Ken's Story
There are moments that change our lives.Ken McLachlan remembers the first.It was the phone call his father received when Ken was a teenager, a moment that would ultimately shape Ken’s life. It fueled Ken’s passion to never let anyone dictate his ability to make a living.Ken also realized he couldn’t control what others do and couldn’t do it alone.In this exceptional episode of REALTY LIFE, Ken break downs the REAL moments, the REAL triggers and how he turned REAL pain into life long gifts. Ken c
Jun 21, 2021 • 21:43
New World. New Life
He fled his homeland, leaving his family, his friends and his way of life. What fueled Steve Tabrizi is a story you need to hear. Courage, determination and a sense of service.And, a son's pledge to his Father and himself. In this episode of REALTY LIFE, Ken talks to Steve about his journey to his new world and new life. Guest: Steve Tabrizi, steve@remaxhallmark.com You can reach Ken at: ken@remaxhallmark.com
May 31, 2021 • 32:34
dj Matt C
He was known as dj Matt C, packing Toronto’s largest dance clubs well into the night.Would you believe Matt Casselman was running a club almost before attending one? In this fascinating edition of REALTYLIFE, Ken learns how Matt went from spinning tunes to closing deals as one of the most successful real estate agents in Toronto.Guest: Matt Casselmanhttps://mattandben.ca/ Email Ken at ken@remaxhallmark.com
May 17, 2021 • 31:47
Life’s Wakeup Call
At one point or another, most everyone experiences a “wake up call”. It could personal or professional. It’s a moment when you realize it’s time to change. A moment when words and wishes turn to action and results.In this episode of REALTY LIFE, Ken talks to Shannon Murree. A woman fueled by passion and perseverance, who answered “life’s wakeup call.” Guest: Shannon Murree Connect with Shannon on Twitter @movingsimcoeCheck out #shoeboxproject on LinkedInReach Ken by email ken@remaxhallmark.com
May 3, 2021 • 28:59
The Anchorman - Lance Chilton's Story
It takes courage, confidence and lots of support.Former television anchor and videojournalist Lance Chilton had all that when he walked away from the bright lights of the television studio and into real estate sales.In this episode of REALTY LIFE, Ken talks to Lance about how the fear of failure is a powerful and productive tool.Guest: Lance Chilton Reach Ken at ken@remaxhallmark.com
Apr 19, 2021 • 23:43
Being the Best We Can Be
When no one is looking. When money is taken out of the equation.When your character is driving the bus.Those are the pillars that often separate good from great.In this episode of REALTY LIFE, Ken talks to one of the founders of the RE/MAX Hallmark team. Kent Sheppard shares what REALLY drives a successful business and why people matter most.Guest: Kent Sheppard, shep@teamsheppard.com Reach Ken, ken@remaxhallmark.com
Apr 5, 2021 • 29:10
The Meeting that Changed My Life - Peg Herbert
A chance encounter. Coincidence. Destiny. Call it what you want. When the hand of fate reaches out and taps you on the shoulder, you have no idea what the future may bring. That’s what happened to Peg Herbert. One meeting impacted the lives of many. Ken and Peg talk fate.Guest Peg Herbert: pegherbert@helplesotho.org Reach Ken at ken@remaxhallmark.com
Mar 22, 2021 • 30:54
